Ontario Driver Receives Truck Hero Award

Martin Baumber, a Woodslee, Ontario driver for Vickerd Brothers Limited, Ontario has received the 2002 Bridgestone/Firestone Canadian Truck Hero Award for the quick thinking and courage that saved two women at the scene of a horrific collision in Woodstock, Ontario.
Baumber was presented the award on November 14th at the opening ceremonies of the Ontario Trucking Association Convention in Toronto by John Lindo, Manager, Public Relations for Bridgestone/Firestone Canada. "This award is about one thing: going above and beyond the call of duty," said Lindo. "Nowhere in a truck driver’s job description does it say risk your own life to save others but Mr. Baumber, his fellow nominees and all of the 44 previous honorees have set aside their own safety and done just that
While on a run on July 31, 2002, Mr. Baumber realized a serious accident had occurred just ahead of him in the Woodstock area.
After stopping his truck, Mr. Baumber ran, fire extinguisher in hand, to one of the vehicles involved which had burst into flames. There were five people trapped in the vehicle.
After discharging the extinguisher with limited impact, Mr. Baumber climbed onto the trunk of the vehicle and was able to pull two women from the burning vehicle prior to the flames spreading to the point it became impossible to re-approach the car. Two people were saved because of Mr. Baumber’s exceptional efforts.
The judges, representing the Canadian Trucking Alliance, the Canada Safety Council and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, selected this year’s recipient of the Bridgestone/Firestone Canadian Truck Hero Award for several reasons. Among them are demonstration of superb driving skills; professional and quick assessment of a dangerous situation and; the proper use of safety equipment and application of first aid. Above all, they wanted to recognize courage, integrity and selfless actions.
Baumber is the 45th recipient of The Bridgestone/Firestone Canadian Truck Hero Award comprised of a trophy, certificate, $3,000 from Bridgestone/Firestone, and special recognition at the Ontario Trucking Association Convention.